Always remember that it is okey that at times someone will pat our shoulders and tells us that you are doing okey .
The Hero
In every story, there is a hero. She is the center of the tale, seemingly invincible, as if nothing could ever hurt her. But behind that brave facade lies a person who is deeply tired, silently gasping for breath. Her heart has been shattered into pieces countless times. Yet, just like in the movies, she always rises, fights, and pushes on until she claims victory. She takes care of everyone but herself.
Breathe take in the peace that the day gives.
Cub in us
My dear hero, it is okay to be shattered at times, to take off the mask of bravery, and to be courageously vulnerable.
It is okay to be tired, to ask for help, and to accept a lending hand.
Sometimes, my dear hero, it is perfectly fine to let someone else take care of you.
Allow the cub within us to reign every once in a while, within this lion heart of ours.
You will always radiate the light of hope and kindness
Every November, Claire reigns as the queen of our annual getaway. This year, she’s once again celebrated in her style, as we take a five-day road trip through the heart of Andalusia, Spain. Organized by me but entirely led by her whims, this journey is a tribute to her birthday and our shared love of travel.
For the second year in a row, Málaga is our base—a sunlit city full of energy, nestled along the southern coast.
Here, our days are filled with long walks, rooftop cocktails, bustling mercados, and endless tapas. One of our favorite spots is El Pimpi, the famous restobar partly owned by Antonio Banderas. It’s the closest we get to a brush with fame, and it’s now a cherished tradition in our travels.
First meal tapas and Tinto Verano and Cerveza VictoriaOf course she will always have the traditional picture near the wall of fame
Last year, we’d planned a side trip to Granada but didn’t quite make it. This time, however, we fulfilled our promise and ventured into Granada’s charming streets and storied hills.
Granada: A Two-Day Journey Through Time and Culture
Granada’s tranquil beauty and rich Moorish heritage made our two-day trip feel like a step back in time. We started at the Mercado de San Agustín, a bustling market that reminded us of Cebu’s shotokil tradition. We bought fresh seafood to be cooked on-site, and it turned out to be a delicious, affordable feast.
Madame Clair
The next day, we set out for the Albaicín de Granada (historically known as Rabad al-Bayyīzīn or the Falconers’ Quarter). This historic neighborhood, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is Granada’s oldest and most emblematic district. It’s where Iberians, Romans, Muslims, and Christians left traces of their cultures.
We began our day at the Mirador de San Nicolás, where we were treated to a stunning view of the Alhambra, Granada’s iconic Moorish palace and fortress. The breathtaking scenery was the perfect start to our day.
The famous Alhambra
Nearby, we stopped for tea and baklava at the Mosque of Granada and experienced the peaceful ambiance as men prayed and chanted from the Quran.
We had mint tea and Baklavas then ordered again for a latte and baklava
Afterward, we continued up to the Cuevas del Sacromonte, or “Gypsies’ Caves,” said to be the birthplace of Flamenco. The energy in this area is contagious, with echoes of dance and music deeply embedded in its hills and caves.
Our day concluded with a stroll along Calle Elvira, which marks the border between the Albaicín and Granada’s city center. This vibrant, colorful street, with its narrow cobblestones and bustling vibe, felt like stepping into a Moroccan souk, rich with scents, sounds, and flavors that stay with you long after you leave.
Calle Elvira
Back to Málaga
Tomorrow, we’ll return to Málaga to close out our annual November escape. Until next year! As we always say, “It’s not about the years we live; it’s about the life we choose to celebrate every year.”
Here’s to many more birthdays, adventures, and memories together.
Every so often, a spark of goodness crosses our path.
A quiet kindness that asks for nothing in return. Now and then, a gentle tenderness is given, wrapped in trust, without hesitation or demand, leaving you vulnerable in a way that reminds you—you are special.
Hold onto this, for once it slips past, it won’t return.
Goodness offered, kindness shared—but forever is fleeting.
When I was younger, I always envisioned an angel as having long blonde hair, wearing a white dress, and possessing fluffy wings. She had a beautiful smile that could lighten any load.
But as I grew older, I realized that angels come in many forms—short, tall, Black, white, men, women, or anything in between.
It maybe a kind face that is willing to give you a smile
An angel is more than just a celestial being; it’s a metaphor for a blessing, a symbol of hope, and a source of light that can make you smile when life feels hard to define.
We are all angels in our own way.
As my favorite author once said, “We are like angels with one wing; we need each other to be able to fly.”
Love, kindness , compassion and prayers is all we need to get through those days that are very challenging
So, choose to be an angel in someone’s life today.
A Fairytale Come to Life For as long as I can remember, Rothenburg ob der Tauber has been on my travel bucket list. Nestled along the Romantische Strasse—the Romantic Road of Germany—this picturesque town in the Ansbach district of Middle Franconia, Bavaria, has always called to me.
Finally, after years of dreaming, planning, and imagining, I found myself on a long drive through the rolling countryside, each mile bringing me closer to this enchanting place.
As I approached Rothenburg ob der Tauber, the anticipation that had been building inside me reached a peak. The town’s iconic medieval walls, turrets, and half-timbered houses appeared in the distance, looking like they had been plucked straight from a storybook. I had seen countless photos, read endless articles, but nothing truly prepared me for the magic of stepping into this fairytale world.
The moment I walked through one of the town’s ancient gates, I felt like I had traveled back in time. The cobblestone streets wound through the town like veins, leading me to charming squares and hidden alleys, each more beautiful than the last. It’s often said that Rothenburg is like a Disneyland for adults, and I couldn’t agree more. But where Disneyland is fantasy, Rothenburg is delightfully, authentically real.
This town wears its history proudly, with every building, every stone, telling a story. The medieval architecture here is breathtaking. Timber-framed houses painted in soft pastels line the streets, their steeply pitched roofs and intricate details making them perfect subjects for photographs. It’s no wonder every corner of this town is Instagrammable.
I found myself constantly pausing to capture yet another scene—whether it was the flower boxes brimming with vibrant blooms, the warm glow of sunlight filtering through narrow alleyways, or the towering spires of St. Jakob’s Church in the distance.
The most icon street Plolein , this was featured in the 1940’s disney film Pinnochio
One of the highlights was strolling through the Castle Garden, where the view of the Tauber Valley was simply breathtaking, surrounded by vibrant flowers and ancient stone walls.
I also savored a glass of Franconian wine served in the distinctive Bocksbeutel bottle, which added a local touch to the experience.
BocksbeutelOne must have a typical German Cuisine
And let’s not forget the famous Schneeballen pastries—a sweet treat that’s as delightful as the town itself.
The Schneeballen
Rothenburg isn’t just a town; it’s a dream come true, a place where history and beauty collide in the most enchanting way.
It was long beautiful drive back home with Rothenburg Ob der Tauber in my heart .
Sundown but our spirits are high .. thank you Rothenburg
I am wondering where you are and can hear my thoughts ?
Back then if there is something that I wanted to know or see another view I would sent you a message . I may often than not agree with your ideas but at least I can see the other side of the spectrum .
Remember in College when I refused to attend a lecture , you would always tell “pakadi na gad ako it bahala ha im”( come here I will take care of you) when we had that beautiful graduation solo picture of ours . We have exchanged without any cheesy dedication ..just a word of “para di ka makalimot ha ak ” (so you wont forget me)
Months have passed since you won your battle. I miss you, I miss that person whom I could talked asked and through your ideas I see mine, through your opinions I form my stand. I miss our friendship ..
I used to say to myself, “The detours that we took in our journey will armor us on the path that we will take and eventually achieve the outcome that we always hope for.” This is a story of the journey that my mother and I took early this year.
January 30, 2024
This all started in late January when the routine blood test of my mother came back. The result stated that she has a low red blood count. She told her doctor that maybe it’s because she does not eat too much meat as she used to. Her doctor shrugged off her reasoning and insisted on further laboratory tests. It was during this lab test that it was discovered that there were traces of blood in her feces, although it was still inconclusive.
Valentine’s Day 2024
On the 14th of February, a colonoscopy was performed and it was seen that she has one large “polyp” that can only be removed through surgery. A sample was taken for biopsy and we were scheduled for a CT scan.
Silver Lining Moment
It was in those moments when you entered a consultation room greeted with a very friendly face of the specialist until she would break down everything.
Her large polyps have turned out to be a malignant tumor and the polyps that were removed have also started to develop some tumors. Hence, on the 17th of February, my mother was diagnosed with colon cancer.
BUT! It was caught on time. On the 21st of February, the cancer cells were all removed.
Cancer
This is an illness that we have heard or witnessed from afar; most of the time, it is very scary to hear all those stories or to witness how a dear friend combats this illness. My view towards cancer has changed. I am no longer scared of cancer, for I know that if we listen to our body and consider symptoms as the “shout for help” signal of our body, cancer can be curable. It’s a hard road at times, but there is always a bright light at the end of every treatment.
It has a different impact when you are in the eye of the storm. You have no time to process every single detail; all that matters is to get through this and be over it.
I gave no space for myself or my mother to question why it happened or to a moment of self-pity. This road becomes less scary and more heartwarming when you know that you are not alone, when you see those brave, friendly faces in the chemo center trying to tell their stories, giving each other encouragement and support.
Cancer has plenty of faces; no cancer is identical even if it has the same name. As the surgeon of my Mother said, “No diagnoses are the same.” It is always different, but there is one thing in common: JUST BE BRAVE ENOUGH TO TAKE THAT TEST TO SAVE YOUR LIFE like my Mother.
Road to Recovery
The surgery went well and we are now almost back to our normal routine. We are on our 2nd preventive chemo (4 more to go) and we are doing quite well except for those every now and then discomforts which can be treated with non-nausea medicine.
My Mother and I have a lot to be grateful for despite the early hiccups. We will get through this with flying colors.
We have always been a victors.. My mama and I have walked together the 110 km Camino de Santiago Compostella
Reflections
The detours that I made prepared me to take on this path. I am humbled and grateful to the Lord for He has armored me with strength, submerged me with knowledge through the experiences that I had. He made me a better support for my Mother.
The road to recovery is here and I would always tell my Mother, “Embrace your 3rd life, live with love, with no doubt of tomorrow, for every day is tomorrow and every day is a miracle to be thankful for. Let us embrace life with more passion, with more laughter, and joy.”
Our Support System
There is no path too steep or scary when someone is there to hold your hands, wipe your tears, and give you a knowing nod.
Whenever I am scared and feel alone, I’m glad that you are there to give me that “it’s all okay” talk. Mommy Nao, your calmness when I am crushed gives me strength; Titay, I am amazed by the maturity that you have shown me, you are my “it’s okay” person.
I am lucky to have amazing friends, especially to my Noonas Barbie and Charina, who have allowed me to vent out my paranoia during those uncertain moments. Noonas, thank you so much for listening without prejudice, thank you for gently telling me that it is okay what I felt but I need to face this with facts for my own peace of mind. To my bff Den, thank you for the encouragement to get tested and be over it. You guys restored my sanity. To Felda, Tots, Fatsie; Lore, Marelle, and the rest of my Moonwalkers, thank you for that silent support.
To my Irish family, Mumshies, thank you for those notes or calls to check up on me and mama.
Lastly, to DAD, you are such a wonderful person. Thank you for being the source of her smile and being her prayer partner from day one.
“Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.”― Neil Gaiman, Coraline
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